A groundbreaking initiative from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) seeks to promote sustainable fishing practices while protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales. The newly unveiled Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy aims to significantly reduce the risk of entanglements caused by vertical buoy lines, which connect surface markers to traps on the ocean floor. By introducing designated areas for innovative “ropeless” fishing gear, the plan encourages harvesters to fish responsibly even when whales are present.
Proactive Measures for Sustainability
This strategy, which was anticipated since last year, was officially released on Tuesday. It represents a shift in approach, moving from reactive measures—where harvesters only switch to on-demand gear following right whale detections—to a proactive framework that designates specific fishing zones for the use of this safer equipment. “This isn’t something you want to rush,” remarked Brett Gilchrist, director of national programmes at DFO, underscoring the importance of thorough consultation with harvesters and Indigenous groups that delayed the rollout of the strategy. “Getting it right was critical—making sure we didn’t launch something that would immediately lead to resistance from harvesters.”
The focus of this initiative is primarily on Canada’s eastern coastline, where the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales overlap with fishing seasons. The DFO has set ambitious timelines to establish pilot areas by 2027, management zones by 2028, and to expand these practices to all high-risk fisheries across the nation by 2030.
Success Stories from the Fishing Community
The shift to using ropeless gear has already yielded positive results for some fishers, such as Alden Gaudet, a snow crab harvester from Prince Edward Island. Initially sceptical about the effectiveness of on-demand gear, he found it to be a lifesaver during right whale-related closures in 2022. Forced to fish 90 nautical miles from his home port due to closures, he borrowed ropeless gear from the CanFISH Gear Lending Program, allowing him to land his full quota. “Now I see things in a different light,” Gaudet stated, emphasising the gear’s importance to his livelihood.
In the Gulf of St. Lawrence, snow crab fishers have collectively caught approximately one million pounds using ropeless gear in regions otherwise closed to traditional fishing methods. Furthermore, lobster harvesters in the Bay of Fundy have also successfully utilised this technology for the first time last year, marking a significant milestone in the programme’s implementation.
Addressing the Challenges of Entanglement
Entanglements continue to be a leading cause of mortality for North Atlantic right whales, with 86 per cent of the population having experienced at least one entanglement. Other species such as humpback and fin whales are also at risk. As Dr. Sean Brillant, senior conservation biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Federation, noted, the successful adoption of whalesafe gear is critical. “This strategy is a game changer,” he asserted, while acknowledging that initial on-boarding may slow fishing efforts.
Currently, fewer than ten Canadian harvesters employ ropeless gear regularly, though that number increases to around 200 when including those borrowing equipment or preparing for potential closures. The strategy identifies two main categories of whalesafe gear: on-demand systems that eliminate vertical buoy lines and low breaking-strength rope designed to break under substantial force, allowing whales to escape.
The Path Forward
The DFO has made it clear that they will not mandate the use of on-demand gear in fisheries where viable alternatives exist, exhibiting flexibility for the industry. “Fisheries that don’t necessarily have a regular interaction or co-occurrence with whales need alternative tools,” Gilchrist explained. Furthermore, the strategy aims to provide manufacturers of whalesafe gear with the stability necessary for investment, potentially reducing costs—currently a significant barrier to adoption.
As the threat of entanglement looms over the right whale population, the urgency for this strategy is palpable. Last month, a four-year-old right whale was found dead off the coast of North Carolina, having suffered multiple entanglements. As of now, the North Atlantic right whale population stands at an alarming 384 individuals, continuing to face challenges from entanglements and vessel strikes despite a hopeful start to the calving season, with 22 new calves reported.
Why it Matters
This initiative represents a crucial step towards ensuring the survival of the North Atlantic right whale while also supporting the livelihoods of Canadian fish harvesters. Balancing ecological preservation with economic sustainability is no small feat; however, the Whalesafe Fishing Gear Strategy could serve as a model for other countries grappling with similar issues. The ongoing collaboration between government bodies and the fishing community is vital in fostering an environment where both marine life and human livelihoods can thrive together.
